Luxury Foods From Around The World

As there is a need to cleanse the palate with a sorbet (or shot of cold vodka) in any good restaurant, I also need to keep this column fresh and mix it up from time to time. So today's focus will be some luxury, decadent and odd foods that will likely start a party in your mouth, so to speak.

Some of us may never have the chance to taste or afford some of the following items. My philosophy is that it is incumbent on me to bring them to you via the Internet. Face it: Most people will never scarf down a cobra heart or sip a flute of Krug Clos du Mesnil Champagne. Or will they? Nah, I think not. If that were the case, the subsequent items would defy decadence and exclusivity.

Vanilla beans

Everyone has a bottle of vanilla extract in the cupboard, but the real deal is completely unlike the imitation stuff.

Believe me, there is nothing like real vanilla bean essence. The flavor is just ridiculous. The pure extract is, at minimum, 35% alcohol and has a rich honey color. It is very expensive, but you do get what you pay for. While pure extract is all good, the best flavor comes from pure vanilla beans.

The process that transforms the raw vanilla pod into the vanilla bean available at stores everywhere, full of intense flavor, can take up to a month to produce. So count on a hefty premium for all that superb taste. Just remember where the taste comes from: within the vanilla bean.

You have to split that bad boy open and remove all the small seeds. In the interim, store your vanilla in your sugar container — that'll keep it fresh and flavor the sugar.

Estimated cost: $71 per pound

Fugu fish

There is an old expression in Japan that translates loosely into "I want to eat fugu, but I don't want to die." Sure, I can understand that. This notorious fish is not only expensive, but requires an expert hand to prepare it in order not to kill the consumer.

Over 40 types of fugu, or blow/globe/puffer fish, are available in Japan and the most deadly contain a lethal poison that causes near instant death. The most amazing fact is that the poison changes location from one fugu species to the next.

Imagine the pressure on a fugu chef to ensure the life of his clients! Despite the threat, intrepid diners dish out up to $250 and more for one fugu meal. Not surprisingly, the most toxic variety (Tora-fugu) is reputed to be the most delicious.